Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 1963)
The City of Baguio is incorporated as a municipality of the subprovince of Benguet with perpetual succession, a common seal, and the ability to sue and be sued, hold and dispose of property, and contract in its name.
The Governor-General of the Philippines shall have the city of Baguio under his executive control and supervision, including the appointment and removal of key officers.
All city officers must take and subscribe to an oath recognizing the authority of the United States of America in the Philippines and maintaining true faith and allegiance, and if charged with custody of city funds or property, must be bonded to the city.
The mayor shall enforce laws, oversee city officers, preside over the city council, sign ordinances, appoint certain city officials, institute judicial proceedings to protect the city, and prepare annual reports on the city's condition and finances.
The city council consists of the mayor, vice-mayor, and three other members. Regular meetings are weekly and open to the public, requiring a majority for a quorum. Ordinances need a majority of all members for passage and are posted publicly.
The city council can levy taxes and other revenues, make appropriations for city expenses, and fix license fees for various businesses and activities.
Such contracts must be let to the lowest responsible bidder after at least ten days of public advertisement with listed plans and specifications; bond for faithful performance is required, but contracts involving city roads may be done by day labor without advertisement.
Such officers may be removed from office after hearing and upon conviction may be fined up to one thousand pesos, imprisoned up to two years, or both, as decided by the court.
The city has a justice of the peace and an auxiliary justice of the peace with powers similar to those outside Manila, including territorial jurisdiction over the entire police zone of the city for trying crimes and misdemeanors.
Delinquent taxpayers face additional penalties of 5%, 10%, and 15% on the original tax amount depending on the lateness of payment, payable along with original taxes, and enforced by the city treasurer.